In vitro corrosion behaviour and metallic ion release of different prosthodontic alloys

The corrosion resistance for six metallic alloys often used in clinical dentistry, was evaluated by measuring their polarisation resistance in an artificial saliva environment. The critical current density (icr), the passive current density (ip), the corrosion potential (Ecorr) and the critical pitting potential (Ecp), were studied. Metallic ion release from the different alloys was analysed in a saliva environment at 37 degrees C. The nickel-chromium alloy exhibited important corrosion and a high quantity of ions was released. The titanium presented a low value of ion release and a good corrosion resistance due to the passive film on the metal surface. The high gold content alloy provided the best corrosion resistance.